Dealing with a Risky Bridal Shower Location: What Would You Do? | Expert Advice

[yummybytes]

Ok -- so, I got a Bridal Show and Registry when I was making calls the other night. Awesome.

So -- I go and look up the address and it's in a HORRIBLE neighborhood. When I say horrible -- there have been several shootings on this block in the last could of months. Across the street from the address is an abandoned lot that's appaantly known to be an "open air market" for drug dealing. Cops are afraid to go in the area because they get shot at.

Now -- if the shower was on a Saturday afternoon -- broad daylight and all that, I would probably do it and bring someone with me. However, it's on a Friday night... Hubby orignally said he would drop me off and pick me up, but I don't want him driving around there with the kids, especially with it being at night. Then he got to talking to some of his friends about the area and looked it up online. Literally every hit when you type the name of this neighborhood involved a shooting, drug bust, rape, or burglary. What's worse? MANY of them were on this street with in a block or two of the house.

I never prejudge, I go to all sorts of places for parties, but EVERYONE - my director, her director, my husband, their husbands, my mother -- is telling me to cancel this one. The bride is SO sweet though. I don't want to crap out on her party just because she happens to live in a bad neighborhood. I have no idea what to do, but they are right -- it's not worth jeopardizing my life to do this. My kids, hubby, family -- they all mean too much to me.

How would you handle this situation? I'm seriously going to have to come up with an alternative plan, but I have no idea what to say to the bride. I'm a TERRIBLE liar - I just can't do it.

 

[raebates]

Tell her the truth. She knows it's a dangerous neighborhood. Tell her that it makes you a bit nervous to be coming and going from there at night. You're also a little concerned for her guests. Ask if she has someplace else (church, union hall, etc) where you can do the shower.

 

[chefann]

I agree. Lying will just catch up with you in the long run. Be honest that you really want to help her fill her kitchen, but are nervous about the area.

And, if you're apprehensive about going there, her guests probably will be, too.

 

[Kathytnt]

Could be a really good recruit potential - Have I got that on the brain lately or what?

 

[chefann]

I thought that same thing, Kathy. (That she'd be a good possible recruit)

 

[chefkristin]

Could you offer to have the show at your place?

 

[yummybytes]

My house isn't a possibility -- bad parking and a very protective dog who literally attacks strangers and barks when kept seperated from us would not make for a pleasant time for the bride.

I would LOVE to recruit this girl -- believe me -- I've thought about it. She currently sells Mary Kay and works in a retail position at the mall (which is where I met her). She's really a doll.

 

[Pampered Laura]

If your gut is telling you to find an alternative location, then you need to do that... no amount of sales, bookings, or recruit potentials is worth risking your life or endangering your children/husband over. Tell her you would love to do a shower for her, but tell her that you will need to find another location.

 

[Pampered Laura]

Ask her if she has a friend or relative that would offer to host the show with her (at their place, if it's any better)

 

[DebbieJ]

ITA. Tell her the truth, offer to help her find another location.

 

[MomToEli]

Blame your husband Isn't that why we got married? So we could have a fall guy?

Seriously, though, I would not go there. Her guests may not be nervous because they may live in the same area.

 

[Chefgirl2]

Tell her the truth and offer to do it during the day if you can't find a different location.

8 years ago I did a show on a hot summer Friday night in a seedy area of town. I wasn't afraid until the hostess and her mother mentioned that a gang was walking toward us. They literally pushed me in the car, told me to "get out here fast" and I saw them run back into their apartment.

I was completely terrified!

I don't hesitate to say no if I am not completely comfortable. I have a similar situation coming up in June. I just google the address and it is in a bad area. Now I know why she insisted addressing the show as being from 6-8.

It should be light out when I leave so that works for me.